Cranberry Crumb Cake

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why make this recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a sweet and buttery crumb topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event, enjoying a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a delicious treat. With its soft, moist texture and crunchy topping, this cake will surely impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Cranberries are in season during the fall and winter months, making them a great ingredient to use when they are fresh. This cake not only highlights the juicy goodness of these berries but also provides a wonderful balance of flavors. The combination of sweet and tart is sure to please your taste buds. Furthermore, this recipe is an excellent way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into your baking, allowing you to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

This Cranberry Crumb Cake is versatile, too. You can serve it for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this cake easy to whip up when you have unexpected guests or when you want to indulge in a homemade treat.

In summary, making this recipe is a great way to explore baking while enjoying a delicious and beautiful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

how to make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is a straight forward process that anyone can master. Here are the steps to guide you through creating this delicious treat from scratch.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. Also, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a spatula, cream these two together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The air you incorporate at this stage will help make your cake airy and tender.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to incorporate each egg thoroughly before adding the next. After that, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully mixed in. The vanilla will add a lovely flavor to your cake.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Fold in the Cranberries: Once the mixture is just combined, gently fold in the fresh cranberries. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them apart.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, rolled oats, and a bit of flour. Mixing these ingredients together will create a crumbly texture that adds crunch to your cake.
Pour the Batter and Add Topping: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping mixture generously over the batter before it goes into the oven.
Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve your Cranberry Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra treat.

how to serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in various ways, making it a versatile dessert suitable for any occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this delightful cake:

Plain: Enjoy your cake straight from the pan in its simplest form to appreciate the rich flavors of cranberry and crumb topping.
With Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can elevate your cake. The creaminess complements the tart cranberries nicely.
With Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is heavenly.
With Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of your cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. It adds a touch of sweetness that goes well with the tartness of the cranberries.
Pairing with Beverages: This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. It makes for a lovely afternoon snack or brunch item.

how to store Cranberry Crumb Cake

To keep your Cranberry Crumb Cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is important. Here are a few tips on how to store your cake:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, you can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure your cake has cooled completely before sealing it to avoid moisture buildup.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend its freshness, consider storing your cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake can usually last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then seal it in a freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. When stored this way, the cake can last for up to three months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before indulging.

Remember, if you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the cake.

tips to make Cranberry Crumb Cake

To ensure your Cranberry Crumb Cake turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to keep them frozen until you’re ready to fold them into the batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy texture.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary; start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick or cake tester should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut to the crumb topping for added texture. You can substitute walnuts or pecans for part of the oats if you prefer a nuttier crumb.
Add a Drizzle or Glaze: For an extra special touch, consider making a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle on top of the cake once it cools.

variation

There are several ways you can vary this recipe to create a unique take on Cranberry Crumb Cake. Here are a few ideas:

Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing flavor boost. The citrus will complement the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Use Other Berries: While cranberries are traditional, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Adjust the sweetness accordingly, especially if you’re using sweeter fruits.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Change the Topping: Instead of rolled oats, you could use crushed graham crackers or even cookie crumbs for a different texture and flavor profile.
Add Spices: Mixing in additional spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, can also add depth to the flavor of the cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but you may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as dried fruits are sweeter. Soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the batter.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it to keep it fresh.

3. What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Typically, 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 mashed banana can replace one egg in baking.

4. Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?
While both sugars provide different flavors and moisture levels, you can experiment with using only one type. Brown sugar will give the cake a richer flavor, while granulated sugar will yield a lighter crumb.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more cake. Just ensure you have a larger baking pan, as the baking time may vary slightly with a larger batter quantity. You might also need to bake it longer and check for doneness.

Making Pumpkin Crumb Cake is straightforward and rewarding, and with these tips, variations, and answers to common questions, you’re well-prepared to bake and share this delightful dessert with friends and family!